Murphy USA Plans 50 New Stores Annually

The fuel retailer's third-quarter 2026 update outlined its store construction pipeline and recent gasoline sales trends.

Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Oil and Gas

Empty roadside fuel station forecourt with pump islands and a concrete canopy beside a quiet two-lane highway under open daylight sky. — Murphy USA said its store pipeline supports about 50 new locations a year, as recent gasoline sales rose nearly 2.5% during the third quarter. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Murphy USA announced on its third-quarter 2026 earnings call on October 29, 2026, that its store construction pipeline supports opening 50 new locations annually. Sales of regular unleaded gasoline rose nearly 2.5% during the quarter.

Why it matters

The company's steady opening cadence is aimed at sustaining earnings growth that was limited in prior years by inconsistent store openings. Driver traffic is shifting away from premium fuels toward lower-priced options as high gas prices force consumers to budget carefully.

Murphy USA reported a target of 50 new store openings annually, with 55 sites actively under construction. Regular unleaded gasoline sales rose nearly 2.5% during the quarter, though the extraction does not specify the prior-period baseline.

The players

Murphy USA

Murphy USA is a retail fuel and convenience store operator in the United States that sells gasoline through a network of standalone stores.

The details

Murphy USA buys fuel below terminal wholesale prices, known as rack rates, through its supply network. Management expects continued fuel price volatility while supplies remain tight.

Prior years: inconsistent store opening cadence limited earnings growth.
October 29, 2026: the company announced its store pipeline on its third-quarter 2026 earnings call.

Market Landscape

The retailer's store expansion comes as drivers trade down from premium fuels to lower-priced grades amid high gas prices. Murphy USA's ability to buy below terminal rack rates positions it to keep prices competitive as it grows its network.

Drivers may see continued price competition at Murphy USA locations as the company expands its network and buys fuel below terminal wholesale prices. Shoppers choosing lower-priced fuel grades are reflecting the broader pressure of high gas prices on household budgets.

The takeaway

Watch how fuel retailers balance store growth with volatile supply costs, since consistent openings and lower-priced fuel options are central to keeping drivers loyal during periods of high gas prices.